Chicago Diner

08/26/2008 Posted by wwwyoga312com

This is a great place to dine for casual vegan/vegetarian food. The have some fantastic organic red wines which go well with any one of their deserts. The evening gets a little busy especially on the weekends and you can expect a 10-15 minute wait for a table but once you sit down it's all worth it. Best vegan cheesecake ever!

Pros: Desserts, Wine, Good Location, Parking

Cons: Busy, Crowded Seating

06/30/2008 Posted by Jessia823

I've eaten at this restaurant so many times, and it never disappoints. The service is usually great, and the menu offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan adaptations of favorite comfort foods. The vegan milkshakes (especially the peanut butter-chocolate chip cookie dough, mmm) are simply heavenly, and the mocha-raspberry cheesecake is incredible: pefect texture, great balance of flavors, even nice to look at. I recommend the brunch options, especially the tempeh-potato hash with biscuits and gravy. The food was so good I ate too much. The plate was huge! I just can't say enough good things about this place, and I would recommend it to any vegetarian or meat-eater.

Pros: Generous portions, amazing vegan milkshakes, incredible cheesecake, vegan desserts

03/14/2008 Posted by jerseymar

After reading the reviews I had to try it. I now own the cookbook they sell. Wish I had the cook too!!! Yes, it is a bit small and crowded. I am glad, otherwise I would have to wait too long to get in and do what I want to do most....EAT EVERTHING ON THE MENU!!! If we could have more Chicago Diners everywhere I would be so happy!

Pros: Food is fantastic!

Cons: Parking can be an issue. It is a bit cozy.

01/14/2008 Posted by winey_woman

I decided to go to Chicag Diner with some good friends. I've lived in the neighborhood for years, had passed it many times. We ordered the vegetable potstickers as an appetizer and they were great. My friends' entrees arrived and I was told my entree would be right out. I waited - thankful for the potstickers - my friends had finished their meals when mine finally arrived. No overt apologies, no comp of anything on the check, nothing. Not going back.

12/05/2007 Posted by ophelia_payne

Chicago Diner is one my favorite spots, and has the best brunch ever. The "steak" and eggs are to die for, and I love the veggie gyros. My better half and I had dinner here for our first date, and we love to visit often. The best Bloody Mary I have ever had, spiced up just right. Inexpensive, casual and comfortable atmosphere, great service and parking available. Highly recommended. Those who normally crave the flesh of the dead won't even miss the meat.

11/14/2007 Posted by hitachi_obsessed

This place is great. The staff is super nice and friendly. The menu is amazing - they have so many choices and the food is so great that it doesn't even matter if it's vegetarian. Every meat eater I have ever brought there has been converted (at least for the time being). I also love that they know to ask, "soy cheese or milk based cheese" whenever you order something with cheese on it. My suggestion - the "reuben"!!! Or go sit outside on their back veranda with a big margarita on a hot day!

Pros: food, service, food

Cons: i can't even think of one

10/19/2007 Posted by marallan

Place is crowded, tables too close, service bad, Bloody Mary disgracefully spiced, they changed it with the worst Mojito I've ever had. Last but not least: food was really bad, out of 4 people nobody liked it, and we went home feeling bloated. My wife, who is a pasionate peanut butter cookies eater, left the cookie without eating it. I really can't understand what to like. I've eaten in thousands of places better than this. Among the worst 40$ spent for food in Chicago. You bet they won't see us again.

Pros: Free parking in the alley

Cons: food, service, ambient.

01/09/2007 Posted by driaraven

Everything was wonderful, the food was exceptionally delicious. Our server was an absolute delight. He was also very well informed about all of the food. The atmosphere was casual yet fun. This is now one of my new favorite restaurants in Chicago.

Pros: service, food, desert

Cons: paring, wine & bar rather limited

06/06/2006 Posted by cybe

Well, great for the non bigoted meat eaters. Fantastic and novel vegan cuisine, and even beers. Desserts tempt from the freezer case like the Sirens to doomed sailors.

Pros: vegan, taste, brunch

05/01/2006 Posted by j7609

The Chicago Diner puts the misconception that vegeterian & vegan food is bland & boring, to rest! Their food is very flavorful & hearty. With their vast menu, even meat eaters will not feel left out, most of them wind up liking dishes they may not have tried otherwise. The Diner is small & can get very busy at times, (I avoid it on weekends when it gets loud & cramped). The downfall is the service. I wish the servers were more attentive, I have often felt ignored waiting to be seated, & for the food can take awhile too. But the food is worth it, & they also have great drinks. I love the blueberry margaritas, which are sweet & refreshing. Aside from the service, the food is delicious & always hits the spot. There is something for everyone to eat there!

Pros: Great tasting food, Healthy dishes, Huge and diverse menu

Cons: Poor service, Long waits , Loud & cramped place